Winter depression!

[kingoffleece]

it's almost here.  Gotta put the bikes to bed soon and get ready for living in my snowplow.  After 27 years of this it gets old.
Yea, we ski and all that, and it's fun.  But more and more I'm getting tired of winter and don't seem to enjoy the seasons as much anymore.  Really, it's the fact that the bikes need to go away for so darned long!

The good news is the indoor soccer season is starting and the boy is really starting to become a force.  Off the Philly soon for a weekend tourny (first of several all over the mid west and northeast) but it's only a consolation prize!

Yea, I know.....stop whining!  Never really had this feeling until a few years ago.  Always embraced the changeover with snowmobiles and all other kinds of winter stuff.
But that's changing.  May be 60 years old hitting me in the fact that's doing it.  Gotta get another 200,000 miles in before I get too old!

[yogidozer]

I welcome the change of seasons. No, can't ride as much, but I enjoy hiking. I live near the AT, love taking my 3 rescued best friends with me,less of a fear of ticks. So many sights to see, eagles, bobcats, black bear, occasional mountain lion. Not many people around, but that's a +. Gets real bad out you can always work on your bike.....or go camping!

[johnr]

Ah, the unfortunate effects of a continental weather pattern.  I'm none to fond of Winters either. I don't handle cold as well as I used to.  I'm told that full spectrum lights help with the winter blues though.

[jas67]

I'm with, King.    Darkness savings time starts this weekend, which adds to the depression.    Monday through Friday, go to work in the dark, come home in the dark, never see the light of day except during my lunchtime walk, if I have the time to do it.

Also, this time of year, the sun is dangerously low in the sky any time after about 3pm.    Some of my favorite nearby riding areas are northeast of where I live, so, on the return leg, I'm always heading directly into the sun and can't see anything in the shadows.

And, then, of course, comes the salt and other corrosive crap they put on the roads.     Once that crap hits the roads, I'm done riding until we get enough rain to wash it off.

Come on spring!

I'm told that full spectrum lights help with the winter blues though.

Doesn't get the salt and brine off the roads, and doesn't fix the low sun in my face problem.

[bettythebear]

I'm originally from Buffalo, NY, but after 15 years in Texas I'm really starting to long for four distinct seasons.

[Guzzi Gal]

I'm originally from Buffalo, NY, but after 15 years in Texas I'm really starting to long for four distinct seasons.

I hear that!  Technically, Arizona has 5 seasons, they throw in Monsoon to make you feel better about the whole thing.  But in truth, Phoenix only has two; effing HOT, and slightly chilly.

[Ncdan]

Here in the south we can ride 12 out of 12 and for the most part comfortably.

[bobrebos]

Hang in there!  I turned 60 this year also.  I live in a easier climate to take than you (Chattanooga Tn area) but I lived in Green Bay Wisconsin for a long long time, so I understand the "Winter" thing.

Keep doing your outdoor hobbies and stay active.  Best wishes!

[zebraranger]

Here in the south we can ride 12 out of 12 and for the most part comfortably.

Yeah I feel bad for you guys up north. Riding here in Florida is 365 but our real riding season is just getting started.

[charlie b]

Lived in the desert for a lot of years.  Hated the 110F days and 90F nights.  Winter just a short period of cool weather.  Longed for 4 seasons again so we moved into mountains outside of Albuquerque.

We loved being snowed in, cozy fires. cool temps

After about 10 years we got tired of the snow (and hated being snowed in), cleaning up around the fire place, and having to heat the house.

:)

Yes, part of it was age.  I did not have the energy or desire to use the snow blower for a couple hours after a storm or to clear the snow off the car/truck/bike in the mornings.  Got tired of getting the fireplace going and feeding it.

Winter sports?  I stopped skiing 15 years ago when my knees started giving me trouble.  Glad I did.  Saved me a tond of money too :)

Our solution was different.  Full time in the RV.  Now when it gets too cold or too hot we can move :)

[calfruit]

King, not bragging but we ride 12 months a year here and with the bland weather of central calif , it too becomes boring at times. It is either hot or warm with a few cold days thrown in for a change. Being 68 I have time on my hands and we just ride through it, smile.  A group of us leave the local Starbucks at 7:00 AM each wed morning, off for breakfast and a ride. After 150 to 200 miles we all arrive home with a huge smile on our faces. Open invitation!

[Lcarlson]

Gotta weigh in for four distinct seasons: around here Spring and Fall are great for riding, Summer is mostly not oppressive, and Winter provides the contrast that enhances the other three. To be honest, Winter in these parts is mostly not severe, and pleasant riding is there for the taking much of the time. Yes, they salt the roads, but after 15 years of Winter riding my (garaged) Beemer still has little corrosion, and anyway, I figure motorcycles are buckets of bolts to serve me when I want to ride, not vice versa. These days I do usually indulge my bikes with a quick hose-off after a salty ride.

[Nic in Western NYS]

Moving to your neck of the woods in 2 weeks.  Just in time!  Maybe somewhere for a beef on weck? (a WNY delicacy)

[n3303j]

I joined The Snowbird Migration and bring a bike to Florida. First year it was R60/2, last was 850T3, this will be the Ural (lot of dirt trails near where we stay).

[John Ulrich]

Best decision my wife ever made was to office out of a Phoenix location in the winter as she winds down her career.  I retired (at 59) and as an asthma sufferer I live a fantastic life in the "valley of the sun" away from the damp midwest. 
I click on the webcam in the front window in MN and see how much snow has fallen as I pull on a t-shirt and shorts and go for a bicycle ride.

[poorBob]

Interesting to see the Buffalo people on here! I'm a Lewiston kid who goes back at least once a year but ALWAYS in summer.

I lived in Pittsburgh for eight years before moving to Georgia and I do not miss the cold one iota. I drove my ex crazy walking around "da hoss in da burgh" wearing full riding gear while the snow was piled up outside. I had cabin fever something fierce.

Not so much in north Georgia!

[Testarossa]

This is when I begin to perk up. I have about 24 days of expert-level private lessons already booked at Vail, plus four out-of-Colorado trips on the calendar for steeper terrain at Jackson, Squaw, Alta, BC. New skis arriving in two weeks -- the rest of the quiver freshly tuned and waxed. I'll ride the bikes sporadically thru the winter when the roads are dry and I happen to be at home but frankly I'm a far better skier than rider and this is my time.

[wheaties]

Gotta weigh in for four distinct seasons: around here Spring and Fall are great for riding, Summer is mostly not oppressive, and Winter provides the contrast that enhances the other three. To be honest, Winter in these parts is mostly not severe, and pleasant riding is there for the taking much of the time. Yes, they salt the roads, but after 15 years of Winter riding my (garaged) Beemer still has little corrosion, and anyway, I figure motorcycles are buckets of bolts to serve me when I want to ride, not vice versa. These days I do usually indulge my bikes with a quick hose-off after a salty ride.

Larry: Good description of the riding in our area.  Let me know if you ever pass by this way.

Matt

[Rough Edge racing]

 I don't mind the winter at all....Time to work on bike projects...Time to sit with my bride by the wood stove enjoying the heat from our labors cutting and splitting wood...Time not to be stung/bitten by jackass insects....Time to drive the old Jeeps down the rural back roads at the limit of traction ,sawing away at the steering wheel and throwing rooster tails of snow from the drive wheels..Time to wonder if I shoulda moved south years ago....

[Tom]

I hated shoveling snow.  No sun for months on end.  PA.  Moved to AZ on the way to CA.  Burbank area.  Took 9 1/2 years more to move back to Hawaii.  Too much work trying to stay warm during the Winter.  However the Phoenix area during the Winter is Okay for riding.  You don't have to go far to be out of the heat. 

Being raised in Hawaii, the lack of sun during the Winter months was a huge negative affect on me. 

[Arizona Wayne]

I like the weather here just fine @ 3,500 ' in Aridzona.    Rideable weather all year if you want that.  Hot (105F) summers with a breeze and some short doses of rain.  Winter here is mostly dry, 40-50s in day time, 20s @ night.  We get a shot of light snow 1 or 2 times a year that melts by the end of the day. Year round every night is cool or cold.  We only use the AC  3 months a year.

Have lived in Spokane, Wa. & Portland, Or. so know what real winter is like and not for me any more. 

[gerryp]

it's almost here.  Gotta put the bikes to bed soon and get ready for living in my snowplow.  After 27 years of this it gets old.
Yea, we ski and all that, and it's fun.  But more and more I'm getting tired of winter and don't seem to enjoy the seasons as much anymore.  Really, it's the fact that the bikes need to go away for so darned long!

Yea, I know.....stop whining!  Never really had this feeling until a few years ago.  Always embraced the changeover with snowmobiles and all other kinds of winter stuff.
But that's changing.  May be 60 years old hitting me in the fact that's doing it.  Gotta get another 200,000 miles in before I get too old!

Jim,

I just got home from dropping Sophia off at Hamlin's for winter storage, talk about a sad day.

60???  I'd love to be 60 again!!

Gerry

[Arizona Wayne]

Jim,


60???  I'd love to be 60 again!!

Gerry

Me too ! 

[Lcarlson]

Larry: Good description of the riding in our area.  Let me know if you ever pass by this way.

Matt

Hi Matt: I ride through New Milford very frequently since (as you certainly know) some of the best riding in the state is just north of you. Last weekend I wandered around the Kent, West Cornwall, New Preston area to take in what had to pass for Fall foliage this year. Mediocre colors but fine riding....

[Perazzimx14]

I'm with, King.    Darkness savings time starts this weekend, which adds to the depression.    Monday through Friday, go to work in the dark, come home in the dark, never see the light of day except during my lunchtime walk, if I have the time to do it.

Also, this time of year, the sun is dangerously low in the sky any time after about 3pm.    Some of my favorite nearby riding areas are northeast of where I live, so, on the return leg, I'm always heading directly into the sun and can't see anything in the shadows.

And, then, of course, comes the salt and other corrosive crap they put on the roads.     Once that crap hits the roads, I'm done riding until we get enough rain to wash it off.

Come on spring!

Doesn't get the salt and brine off the roads, and doesn't fix the low sun in my face problem.

This time of year the LED collar and Glow ball replace the tennis ball for the chuckit. Go to work in the dark, come home light the chimera and BGE in the dark, play ball with the dog in the dark while drinking a beer and cooking dinner in the dark.

Bikes will get ridden no matter the weather or road conditions but not nearly as far.